Forever Wild (Wildcat Hockey Book 5)

Lifetime dream

I used to imagine this moment, holding the cup over my head while thousands of people scream my name. Nothing I ever imagined even comes close to comparing. Winning with any team would have been a dream, but I think there’s a reason it’s this year, this group, this moment.

My dad wipes tears from his eyes as I skate by him, and Coach claps and smiles. The arena chants my name. A lifetime dream achieved.

As I circle around to hand off the cup, I see another lifetime dream. One I never imagined but it’s just as sweet.

I give the trophy to Leo and then I head to the gate where Everly is waiting for me. She’s in my arms as soon as I get to her.

“I love you so much! That was incredible. Congratulations! I am so turned on right now.” She screams it all in my ear as I hug her to me and turn in a circle.

When I set her down, she looks up at me, those hazel eyes sparking with fire and love.

“You did it,” she says. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Marry me.”

“What?” She leans in like maybe she didn’t hear me right.

“Marry me, Everly.”

My words finally land but she says nothing, just smirks at me as amusement dances over her features.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I love you, and while I was hoisting that cup in the air, I realized there’s only one thing I want more.”

“Well, you’re just saying that now because you already won it.” Her face lights up as she stares at me.

I laugh. “Is that a no?”

“No.”

“Should I get down on one knee?”

“Dear god, no. You’ll have every camera in this place on us.”

She’s smiling but I swear I can’t read her expression. Is she about to politely tell me no?

“Are you sure you want to ask me right now? It’s the biggest night of your life. You’re all hopped-up on testosterone and adrenaline. You might change your mind later.”

I lean down and let my mouth hover just above hers. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. I’m yours, Ev. Now and always. I’m not going to change my mind, but if you’re not ready⁠—”

Her lips press to mine and her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me farther down to her. When we break apart, she’s beaming at me.

“Yes! I’ll marry you, Jack Wyld,” she says. “Someone has to keep you in line.”

“Right back at ya, baby.” A new surge of excitement makes it impossible to keep quiet. I wrap her up in my arms and spin in a circle. My voice lifts as I yell, “We’re getting married!”

I want to shout it around the entire arena and likely would, but Everly’s eyes widen as she drops out of my embrace. “Shh!”

She glances around to see if anyone heard, but everyone is doing their own celebrating. “We can tell everyone tomorrow,” she says. “Tonight is about the team and family.”

“Ev, you are family. All these guys adore you and they will be thrilled for us.”

She doesn’t look so convinced. My future wife. Fuck. I can barely stand keeping it to myself.

“We’ll tell them whenever you want.”

She nods and then her smile widens, and she throws her arms around my neck again. Her voice is low, but the excitement in her tone matches mine as she says, “We’re getting married!”

The celebration lasts for hours. There are interviews on the ice, photos, champagne in the locker room, hugs, tears, and speeches that are interrupted by cheers and laughter.

Some of the guys have left, but I’m still in my hockey pants and a shirt that’s soaked with sweat and champagne.

“I asked your sister to marry me,” I say to Tyler as I finally take a seat next to him. Everly is with Bridget. They’re taking photos with Ash and the cup. Mostly as they drink out of it. I think Piper took the girls home. I’m sure Ty isn’t far behind them.

“Yeah?” He grins then lets it fall into a scowl. “Marriage, huh? That’s a big step. Are you sure you’re ready?”

“Yeah,” I say, a little confusion tugging my brows together. “I love her. I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”

“She’s kind of a handful and marriage isn’t always sunshine and roses. Are you prepared to be there through all the ups and downs?”

“Yeah, of course.”

He continues to glare at me and then ever so slowly his lips curve into a smile. “I’m just fucking with you. Congrats.”

“Jesus. I was starting to sweat a little.”

“Really? I’m practicing my scary dad tone for when my girls start dating.”

I cuff him on the shoulder. “No, not really. No offense, man, but no one is scarier than your sister. Maybe you should have her scare off future dates.”

He looks like he’s about to protest, but Everly’s voice grabs our attention as she stands on a chair in the middle of the locker room.

“Sorry, everyone, this will just take a minute.” She beams at me.

Tyler nudges me. “What’s she doing?”

“With Ev? You never know.”

She raises the drink in her hand. “To Jack.”

The guys scream and holler, joining in. She waits them out, adding, “He’s not only the best captain, teammate, and friend, he’s going to be the best husband too.”

The guys pick up on her meaning and a round of cheers go up. I’m shoved playfully and several guys tap the brim of my hat in congratulations. Then Ash and Declan pick up Everly and carry her across the room toward me.

They set her down in front of me, and I pull her to me with one arm around her waist.

“That was unnecessary,” I say with a laugh.

“I guess I wanted everyone to know too. You’re mine, Captain.”

Ash steps up next to us with a bottle of champagne, thumb over the top, as he shakes it all around, spraying us with the liquid.

Everly squeals and crushes her body against mine.

I swipe a kiss across her champagne-covered lips. “To us.”